Analysis: How Kagawa & Mata can both shine for Manchester United

The club-record signing of Juan Mata would no doubt have lifted the spirits of all concerned with Manchester United–from the squad to the management to the fans. It has raised questions, however, about how David Moyes will go about using his new star man.

The 25-year-old impressed hugely last season, during which he was deployed centrally behind a lone striker. There, he showed impeccable vision and impressive movement off the ball, not to mention clinical finishing. His output of twelve goals and twelve assists sums it up quite nicely.

These things said, the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, and Javier Hernandez will relish linking up with the Spaniard, as he can offer the kind of penetration the club’s attack has often lacked this season.

To be effective here, however, Mata would need to see lots of the ball, which would call for a change of approach from Moyes, as United currently attack predominantly down the wings. Adnan Januzaj is one player who has benefited hugely from this. Capable of playing on either flank, the youngster has enjoyed getting on the ball and driving at the opposition, causing many problems for them.

The same can’t be said of Shinji Kagawa, however. Admittedly, his best position isn’t on the wing, but Moyes’ opting to play Januzaj centrally instead of him versus Swansea City, and then away to Chelsea, combined with Mata’s signing suggest that a central role doesn’t lie in the Japan international’s future. So, then, he has to get used to playing on the left.

Out wide, he has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. For example, he showed great movement drifting inside when he scored a hat-trick versus Norwich City last season. As far as his passing is concerned, he likes to try and dictate the game’s tempo, although his final ball is seriously lacking. In addition to this being apparent on the pitch, it is noticeable in the numbers as well.

Last season, he created just 19 chances in 20 appearances, while this season he has created only five in nine. That hasn’t stopped him from trying to pull the strings, however, and that desire could see him clash with Mata.

It is possible for the two to play together, but as long as Kagawa changes his style of play. He needs to be more direct, willing to take opponents on and move into space in the manner that Januzaj does. He has the speed as well as the skill-set to do it. It’s just a matter of confidence, which he lacks.

He has repeatedly vowed to come good at the club. Hopefully, Mata’s arrival will provide the motivation that he needs.